Michael Manley Lecture in Florida

The second annual Michael Manley Memorial Lecture will be held on Friday (Feb. 10) at the Steele Auditorium at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Professor Rex Nettleford, O.M., chairperson of the Jamaica Diaspora Foundation and former Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, will be the guest speaker and he will give a presentation on the legacy of the late former Prime Minister.
The lecture series was introduced last year by the Florida-based community organization, Jamaica Awareness Incorporated, which is headed by Messrs. Sydney Roberts and Eddy Edwards.
According to Mr. Roberts, the series serves to recognize the contributions made by Mr. Manley to the development and awareness of the people of Jamaica, the Caribbean and the world at large.
Michael Manley was born in Kingston on December 10, 1924, and was educated at Jamaica College and the London School of Economics.
His political career began as a trade unionist with the National Workers’ Union (NWU). In 1962, he was appointed Senator before being elected to the House of Representatives in 1967. He assumed leadership of the People’s National Party in 1969, succeeding his father, the late Norman Washington Manley. Under his direction as Prime Minister (1972-1980), Mr. Manley was instrumental in implementing a range of social and economic programmes designed to improve the quality and life for the Jamaica people.
Mr. Manley also was known for his international crusade and outstanding contribution to the struggle against apartheid. For this, he was awarded the United Nations Gold Medal for his resistance to apartheid.
A leader of the Non-Aligned Movement, and advocate of the New International Economic Order, the late former Prime Minister emerged as an important and courageous leader for his efforts to change the unfair trade relations between the rich, developed nations and the poor nations of the third world.
On the Caribbean front, Mr. Manley was also described as one of the architects in the design of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Hosted by the Jamaica Awareness, Inc., and the Jamaican Diaspora Advisory Board, the event is free to the public.